Green Island tours & day trips from Cairns

Green Island is an amazing coral cay sitting about 45 minutes off Cairns by catamaran, ringed by its own patch of the Great Barrier Reef and covered in dense rainforest, most of it protected as national park. It is one of the simplest reef day trips going, with no long open water crossing and enough on the island itself, a swimming pool, walking trails, shops and cafes, to fill in time between snorkels. Ferries run daily from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal, so you can build a Green Island day around a half day stopover, a full day out or a combo with the outer reef.

Just need the ferry

If you already have plans on the island or are staying there, the Green Island Return Ferry Transfer covers the crossing only, the most affordable way to get there and back on the fast catamaran.

Half day and full day cruises

The Green Island Half Day Cruise leaves at 9am aboard the Reef Rocket catamaran for around 2 hours on the island, a solid fit if you want a taste of Green Island without giving up a whole day. For more time, the Green Island Full Day Cruise, 9am departure, and the Full Day Green Island Cruise, both give you around 4 to 5 hours on the cay, with the later sailing suited to travellers who would rather skip an early start.

Choose how you see the reef

The Green Island Discovery tour includes both snorkelling gear and a guided glass bottom boat tour in the one ticket, so you get the reef from underwater and from a dry, comfortable seat. The Green Island Eco Adventure works a little differently, letting you pick either the glass bottom boat or snorkel equipment hire, then adds use of the island swimming pool and a self guided eco walk through the rainforest.

Combine Green Island with the outer reef or Fitzroy Island

Short on days, the Great Barrier Reef and Green Island Combo splits one day between 2 hours on Green Island and 3 hours out on the Outer Reef, effectively 2 tours booked as one. Want both of Cairns' popular coral cays, the Green Island and Fitzroy Island 2 Day Package covers a day on each island at a lower combined rate than booking them apart. To weigh up every Green Island and Fitzroy Island option side by side, browse the full Great Barrier Reef island tours range, or head straight to the wider Green Island tours listing for every departure time and package on the cay.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get to Green Island from Cairns?

About 45 minutes by catamaran from the Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal.

How much time do I get on Green Island?

Half day cruises give around 2 hours, full day cruises give roughly 4 to 5 hours, and combo packages split time between the island and the outer reef or Fitzroy Island.

Do I need to book snorkelling gear separately?

No. Most Green Island tours include snorkel gear or a glass bottom boat option, with some packages letting you choose between the two or take both.

Is Green Island a good option for non swimmers?

Yes. Glass bottom boat tours let you view the coral and marine life from a dry seat, and the island also has a swimming pool and rainforest walking trails for time on land.

Can I visit Green Island and Fitzroy Island on the same trip?

Yes. A 2 day package covers both islands at a combined rate, or you can book each island separately if your dates do not line up.

Local tip: the earlier ferries tend to reach the best snorkelling visibility before the day's boat traffic stirs up the shallows around the jetty, so a 9am departure is worth the early start if clear water matters to you.

Compare the Green Island tours above and pick the crossing, activity mix and length that suits your day in Cairns.